Hamas leader makes first appearance since ceasefire, mourns fallen commander

Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar made his first public appearance since the cease-fire, visiting the home of a commander killed in an Israeli strike.

Sinwar, whose home was targeted in a bombing raid, visited a tent where family members were mourning Al Qassam leader Bassem Issa.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, in an interview with Israeli media Saturday, said Sinwar and Hamas chief of staff Mohammed Deif are both still targets. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid began flowing from Israel to Gaza Saturday morning, with convoys of trucks from Egypt and Israel carrying fuel, food and medicine to the battered region after 11 days of rocket and missile fire.

The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund released $18.5 million for humanitarian efforts.

Gaza officials say at least 240 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes. Twelve people died in Israel from more than 4,000 rockets fired by Hamas militants, Israeli officials said. Diplomatic efforts to broker a lasting peace between Israel and Hamas continued Saturday as both sides honored the cease-fire, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is now expected to arrive in the region Wednesday to try to build on the truce.

Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar (right) greets supporters in Gaza City on May 22, 2021.
Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar (right), whose house was targeted by Israeli airstrikes, greets supporters in Gaza City on May 22, 2021.
AFP via Getty Images
Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar (center in blue outfit) walks with Palestinians paying condolences to fallen Hamas commander Bassem Issa in Gaza City on May 22, 2021.
Yahya Sinwar (center) walks with Palestinians paying condolences to fallen Hamas commander Bassem Issa in Gaza City on May 22, 2021.
AFP via Getty Images
source: nypost.com